Thirteen LGBTQ+ organisations are providing more than 40 job placements for young people aged 16 – 25 across the UK.
In 2020 the government introduced the new Kickstart Scheme to fund the creation of high-quality jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment. The aim is to give young people the chance to build their confidence and skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find long term work.
Stonewall Housing, the only charity in the UK working with Homeless LGBTQ+ people of all ages, has been approved as a gateway organisation and has teamed up with twelve other LGBTQ+ organisations across the UK to provide more than 40 placements for young people aged 16 – 25.
Young people have the opportunity to work at ELOP, LGBT Switchboard, Mermaids, Opening Doors London, London Friend, The Outside Project, Free 2B Alliance, Galop, Mosaic LGBT+ Young Person’s Trust, Allsorts, Gendered Intelligence, Learnest and, of course, Stonewall Housing.
Steven McIntyre, Chief Executive of Stonewall Housing, said, “I’m just so pleased to see these incredible organisations coming together to create so many opportunities for young people who are passionate about LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion to gain some real-world experience, doing something that makes a real difference.”
Job placements are specifically for young people up to 25 who are unemployed and receiving Universal Credit. The jobs last for 6 months and young people will not only gain on the job experience, they will also receive specific support to help build their employment skills and confidence, getting them ready for their next job.
Susie Green, Chief Executive of Mermaids said, “We are delighted to be able to provide an opportunity for young people to join Mermaids, learn new skills and contribute towards the important work we do supporting transgender, non-binary and gender diverse children, young people and their families.”
The job roles on offer are varied, from working directly with LGBTQ+ people through to managing social media and everything in between. Whichever role a young person takes on, they can be sure that they will be joining an inclusive environment that celebrates people for who they are.
Jacob Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer at Brighton LGBT Switchboard is excited to welcome someone from the Kickstart scheme to his team, “We are proud to join Stonewall Housing and LGBTQ+ organisations across the country in providing opportunities for young people to build their confidence and skills and are excited to welcome a young person to the team and have their support in delivering our vital work.”
Those who want to work in the sector go to their Job Centre and ask to be referred for a specific job, they’ll then be given the information on how to apply. It’s a simple as that.
If you would like to support Stonewall Housing and the other incredible organisations in this initiative please visit: www.stonewallhousing.org/queerstart